Seed saving in humid climate: conserve them through vacuum, with a modified bike pump

Seed saving is easy in drylands. Just put them in an envelope, and, if they don't get eaten or lost, they keep for quite a long time.

In humid climate, it is way more challenging. One way is to dry them and freeze them, but not everyone has freezer space available. Another is through vacuum, which helps remove moisture as well as oxigen, and thus keeping the seed alive for longer.

Here an article about seed saving in the tropics
https://www.echocommunity.org/resources/6fa5029a-b130-4561-aa58-b2bf117de358
And here specifically about the bike pump used to create a vacuum and conserve the seeds
https://www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/12321cde-1e32-4aa4-8bb7-56c63be726a8

Yes, it is a little more difficult. I suspect paul would say the best solution is to move to Montana. The bike pump method is quite interesting, but i think I would prefer reusable packets of silica gel in mason jars. The wofati freezer would be a COOL solution!

Vacuum packing your seeds is a great solution to high humidity! And using a manual bike pump is a good idea. It makes me think maybe I could use a syringe in a similar way.

Humidity is very high here as well. Things often mold before they can dry all the way.

Japan has a cultural practice of perpetual gift giving where people exchange omiyage (souvenirs). Omiyage are expected after a trip, or when meeting for the first time or anytime really. If you go to someone's house, no matter how briefly, you will be sent home with omiyage. And you are expected to return the favor, which means going back to their house to give omiyage only to be sent home with yet more omiyage.

Anyway, to the point, most popular omiyage are snacks or sweets that, because of the humidity, are individually packaged and contain a dessiscant pack. I try to remember to bring a container to any gathering where I expect omiyage and ask everyone to deposit the dessiscant packs from the ones they have eaten. This always sparks a conversation. Most people save their own at home for various reasons, like defogging their diving camera housing, or to keep salt from clumping.

I use the dessiscant packs in saved seeds and dried herbs, but sometimes they will still mold. For long storage I might try combining vacuum packing and adding a dessiscant pack as well.

We have a surplus of dessiscant packs and jars, but in areas where these are scarce, vacuum packing with a bike pump is a great solution. Thanks for sharing!

Amy Arnett wrote:
I use the dessiscant packs in saved seeds and dried herbs, but sometimes they will still mold. For long storage I might try combining vacuum packing and adding a dessiscant pack as well.

A wonderful point!

Also, I think a lot of people are using the plastic ones, but the paper is reusable because you can readily dehydrate them. Even if a person were to purchase new ones, there is no guarantee that they have not already absorbed quite a lot of moisture.

One could also consider dry canning for anything that will be cooked anyway. I would never want to do this to chamomile and such.